Research

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers M.Sc., M.Eng., and Ph.D. degree programs with an emphasis on advanced research with global impact. Research interests of the faculty are grouped as Advanced Materials, Biomechanics and Biomaterials, Energy Conversion and Thermosciences, and Operations Research and Systems Engineering.   More information on these areas can be found by following the links in the right panel and the laboratory links listed therein.  The Department is home to two CSU Programs of Research and Scholarly Excellence - the Engines and Energy Conversion Laboratory (EECL) and the Orthopaedic Bioengineering Research Laboratory (OBRL).  Many of our faculty members are leaders in their fields with world class reputations. More information about our faculty and their research can also be found through the faculty portion of this webpage.

Total research expenditures in the College of Engineering have exceeded fifty million dollars per year, which is indicative of a high level of activity comparable to the nation's top universities.  Sponsors of research projects within mechanical engineering include NASA, National Science Foundation, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Air Force Research Laboratory, other government agencies and many industrial companies.

There are approximately 100 graduate students currently enrolled in our program. Our students are integral members of our research groups and their thesis and dissertation topics focus on cutting-edge research.  A significant number of graduate research and teaching assistantships are available on an annual basis. Some students are also awarded fellowships and scholarships to assist with tuition and living expenses. Students in all research areas travel to conferences and meetings, e.g. SAE International, ASME Internal Combustion Engine Division, Orthopaedic Research Society, ASME Bioengineering Division, Cervical Spine Research Society, Spine Arthroplasty Society, Optical Society of America, and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.  Our graduating students have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and government research laboratories.  Prospective graduate students can use these pages to learn about our programs and should also see our Graduate Studies page.